The federal government has started considering a ‘petroleum smart lockdown’ and a work-from-home policy for employees to reduce fuel consumption amid rising petroleum prices.
According to details, a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed several proposals aimed at cutting fuel consumption and government travel expenses.
Under the proposed smart lockdown, government and private offices could operate for four days a week, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday designated as holidays. The move is aimed at reducing traffic and vehicle movement on roads and, consequently, cutting fuel consumption.
The government is also considering a rotation-based attendance system for government employees, under which some staff members could work from home.
Another proposal involves grounding 50% of government vehicles as part of measures to conserve fuel and reduce official transport expenses.
The government says the proposed measures are aimed at protecting the national exchequer and the public from the impact of rising petroleum prices in the international market, while significantly reducing domestic fuel consumption.
Also Read, Petrol hike: Govt considers 3-day weekly holiday
The government has started considering a proposal to introduce three weekly holidays across the country following a sharp rise in petroleum prices.
According to details, the proposed measure aims to reduce fuel consumption and promote austerity measures amid record-high petroleum prices.
Under the proposal, government and private offices, schools, colleges and universities would remain open for four days instead of five, effectively giving people a three-day weekly break.
Officials are currently working on a new schedule. However, the proposal has not yet been finalised and would require detailed planning and an official notification before implementation.
